A/N: Hey everyone. So this chapter is pretty long, but I couldn't figure out if I should break it in half or not. This does take place during Book 2, Episode 1... However, I added my own twist to the episode changing it up quite a bit. There are teen rating elements in this chapter too. I hope you all like it though. Also, I'm going to try to start giving Crystal more of a backstory to her life in the South Pole. I've become interested in the study of other cultures, and want to give the Southern Water Tribe more of a background and culture. I hope you enjoy this chapter. Thanks for being so patient. Finals are around the corner, so I don't know when the next chapter will be up.

Thanks

~Faithy Waithy

Chapter 20: Fighting the Current

Crystal POV

"Ah…"

Iroh sighed in content as the two women massaged his spine and other tense parts of his body. Zuko sat on the floor by the window with a ridiculous hat hanging over his face, sulking because he could find no one who desired to join his excursion. I was cross-legged on a cushion reading a book about a powerful firebender who saves a damsel from ravage earthbenders. Some of the words were hard to understand, but I got the gist of it.

"Isn't this nice… I feel like we're all due for some relaxation."

Zuko muttered, "We've been here for a week now Uncle… We're losing time to relax…"

The mood in which Zuko had been conveying today was extra sour. He wasn't mentally here it seemed as his mind traveled to thoughts he would not share. I noticed his distracted mind a few hours earlier at breakfast. He hadn't spoken much, and as we walked to the spa resort for food he absent-mindedly kicked at a pebble on the ground. At breakfast, he barely ate, just picking at his food with a frown etched on his features. When I asked him if he was okay, he simply replied that he was upset he hadn't found men to join his quest. I knew he was lying though. I had the ability to tell when people were lying, seeing as I'd been an expert at it since I discovered I could waterbend.

Zuko was lying to me straight through his teeth.

"I see. It's the anniversary, isn't it?"

At the question that sprung from Iroh, I looked up from my book in surprise. Confused, I asked softly, "Anniversary?"

Zuko drifted his eyes over to me, while Iroh left his massage and sat down in front of Zuko on the floor. Eventually, Zuko explained.

"Three years ago today I was banished. I lost it all..." The pain in his voice made my heart ache. I dropped my gaze from him closing my book in understanding. So that's why he wasn't his usual self today… Today was the anniversary of his exile and long quest for the Avatar. "I want it back. I want the Avatar, I want my honor, I want my throne. I want my father not to think I'm worthless."

This last part Zuko spoke more to Iroh now, and the older man rubbed the back of his neck not sure how to reassure his nephew. "I'm sure he doesn't! Why would he banish you if he didn't care?"

The words Iroh spoke were not the greatest help at this very moment. His words only made Zuko cringe, and the young prince stood from his place leaving the room to get some distance from his Uncle. Iroh realized what he said was wrong, and shook his head at his own stupidity. While Iroh rubbed his face in disbelief, I placed my book aside and followed the path Zuko had just taken.

Leaving the room, I crossed the stone walkway following behind Zuko as he headed across the bridge towards the forest. He kept his head down in pain as he remembered the past. I knew the story of Zuko's banishment. I knew how much pain the event had caused him both physically and emotionally. I knew as stubborn as Zuko was, I wanted to comfort him.

Zuko stopped walking once he was off the bridge, and I saw his shoulders drop as he let out a heavy sigh. "I'm fine, Crystal… I just have a lot on my mind." He started to walk again, but I quickly reached out and grabbed his arm to stop him.

"Zuko… Talk to me… I know your upset… It's okay to tell someone how you feel…"

Zuko turned his body so he was able to look back at me. "You don't need to hear my problems… There's no use concerning over me. I just need some time to think."

I held onto him for a moment longer. Then I sighed heavily. "Okay…" My hand left his arm. He turned away from me again, his head hanging in agony. "But I'm here for you if you decide you want to talk… You don't have to keep it bottled up inside you… I'll be back at the hut if you change your mind." I started to walk ahead of him, although every ounce of me wanted to stay. I knew he'd talk if he desired to though. "Come find me."

I didn't make it far. Only a moment after I spoke, and a few steps toward the forest, Zuko spoke again. "Wait…" His hand suddenly grabbed my own with a strong grip to keep me with him. "Don't leave…" I looked back at him in surprise. "Let's go talk somewhere private… I- I need some quiet."

I was surprised by Zuko's sudden change of mind. I suppose he realized he didn't want to be alone to his thoughts. We both made our way through the forest, in the direction towards the ocean that rested at the bottom of a long hill. When we eventually broke from the trees, and began to make our way down the dirt path, I noticed Zuko hadn't let go of my hand once. His tight grip was that of both pain and longing. He didn't want to be alone. He was afraid of being alone.

We found a nice spot to sit on a log that had washed ashore and dried out from the sun. As we sat staring out towards the horizon, I squeezed Zuko's hand tighter to reassure him. He turned his head to look over at me with comfort and gratitude. Then he looked down at the sand below his feet.

"I'm sorry… I'm not used to talking to others about my feelings… I was told to never let others see me cry…"

"I know. You told me before," I said softly.

He sighed heavily. "I guess I want to think my father still cares about me…" His eyes watered slightly. He shut them tight to try and hold in his pain. "That this whole banishment is a test of his, for me to prove I'm worthy of being Fire Lord one day… but… every time I look in the mirror all I can see is my father's anger and disappointment. I should've never spoken up in that meeting… I wish I had kept my mouth shut like Uncle had told me to…"

Staring out toward the waves, I thought over what he said. "Sometimes things happen… it's important not to let these things weigh you down so heavily though… You made a mistake. Now, it's up to you to move forward." My shoe traced a line in the sand. "When my mom died, my father weighed all the guilt on himself for the longest time. He had to move forward though, not just for the tribe but himself also. He knew he had done all he could, and that the only way to redeem mom's death was to fight and protect the tribe…"

Zuko nodded. As if my story was a good distraction for him, he asked, "Do you miss him? Do you miss your father?"

Glancing over at him, I saw he was conflicted with his own feelings toward his father. "I miss him… I love him… But I'm angry at him…" This took Zuko by surprise and he looked at me with question. "Just like you, I question myself on if my father still cares about me… about my family… He became so overcome by fury after the Fire Nation killed my mom. I think he lost sight of what was really important. He wanted to fight his problems through war, and abandoned my family and I in the process."

He seemed to take in what I said. "What's it like?"

His question took me off guard. "What?"

He let go of my hand and rubbed the back of his neck. "Being the daughter of a chief… Were there certain customs you had to follow? Rules you couldn't break?"

I shrugged. "Not anything out of the usual. My brother, sister, and I grew up quite similar to the rest of the children. We had chores, expectations on how to behave, and we all worked together to hunt for food. Of course we were expected to be role models for the other children, but that didn't happen all the time. Katara and I did have more roles we were expected to fulfill than Sokka, but each of us did what we could to balance out the labor. When dad did leave us, Sokka took more of a leadership over the tribe while Katara and I took care of the elderly, women, and children. I guess you could say we were the hope for the village if anything happened to father and the other warriors…"

"That's a lot of pressure to put on all three of your shoulders," he said softly.

I smiled weakly. "You're a prince… You should know pressure much more than me."

He frowned. "Would you have had an arranged marriage if all of this chaos wasn't happening?"

My eyes widened at his last question. My cheeks burned, and I looked down at the sand with a twist in my gut. "It's complicated… Our tribe is small, and we are few in number. Those who marry and start families do so not out of love, but out of necessity… Growing up, the women of our tribe are taught to be loyal wives and nurturing mothers. We're expected to keep the village alive… A lot of the time, girls marry at sixteen to the men whom their parents choose for them. We've only had four girls wedded to the young men of our tribe since my mother's death. There was a bit of an age gap between the other children of the tribe and me and my siblings. We're the oldest children… All the others are married off or at war."

Zuko took in all I said with contemplation. "So that means you'd have been next in line to marry?"

I grimaced. "Yeah… I guess so."

"And being the Chief's daughter, you probably would have guys lining up at the door to marry you…"

"No…" I hung my head, not wanting to hurt Zuko when he was already upset. However, I suppose telling him was better than not telling him. "Just one…"

Silence drifted between us, and I knew he was trying to fathom what I was saying. "One…? Crystal… Are you already-" He stopped, unable to think of what he was trying to ask.

"No. It's not like that… I'm not engaged… My tribe doesn't do "arranged" marriages... I'm just promised to someone," I muttered, admitting it finally. "My father promised me to a dude back in the village named Areto. I'm not going through with it though… I objected to my father in the past. He ignored me, but he'll one day learn to take me serious… He can't make me marry him…"

For the last few months I'd been with Zuko, I had been so focused on surviving. Not to mention I'd fallen in love and was happier than ever before. The last thing on my mind was the arrangement my father made with his good friend Bato. It had been before my mother's death, but the settlement was still strong. Bato's son and I were expected to marry in the future. When I turned thirteen my Gran-Gran told me about the arrangement that no one had mentioned, and I protested strongly with my father. I can remember the conversation like it was yesterday.

Storming into the Tribal Meeting Hut, I saw my father seated cross legged on some furs. He and the men had been on a five-month war excursion, and decided to come home for a few weeks to be with their families. They'd told stories over the last few days during dinner, relaying their heroic battles against the Fire Nation. The women were mesmerized by the tales their sons and husbands were relating to everyone. We'd lost only a few of our warriors, and those who mourned for their losses did not show up for the dinners.

Being the good children we were, Sokka, Katara, and I attended the dinners sitting beside our father. Chief Hakoda would always start the dinners with a toast, and then everyone would chow down on seal meat and foreign foods brought from the Earth Kingdom. When bellies were full, and stories were told, men would retire with their wives and children for the night and the village would fall quiet.

Back to my father though. Upon my arrival, he and the four other men in the room were smoking pipes and laughing about their adventures. They all bore battle scars from spears, but looked well and merry. However, my presence made the men fall quiet with surprise.

"Crystal? Everything all right," my father asked, lowering his pipe from his mouth. He could see the discontent on my face.

"How could you do this to me?!"

My shout caused all of the men to gaze at me with bewilderment. They weren't used to seeing me in such a mood. Bato, his closest friend, stood and gestured for the other men to stand as well. "Come on everyone. Let's leave Chief Hakoda some privacy." The men filed past me out of the room, and only a second later my father and I were alone. Tears were pouring down my face and my blood boiled.

My voice came out with hurt. "Why didn't you tell me?"

Dad looked at me with furrowed brows, not sure what I was referring to. "Tell you what?"

I stomped my foot, and the hut around us shook slightly. Dad was surprised, but didn't question how it occurred. I hadn't told him I was a waterbender and didn't plan to. "About Areto!"

Dad took in my words for a moment, and then sighed heavily knowing he had no choice but to talk to me. We hadn't spoken much since he got back. He blamed himself for mother's death and my almost death, so seeing my scar was sometimes too painful for him to look at for too long.

"Have a seat," he said. I knew it wasn't a suggestion. I didn't move in defiance. I was too hurt and angry.

"I'm not marrying Areto when I turn sixteen! You can't make me! I don't love him!"

My father let me yell, and when I was finished his blue eyes stared deep into my soul. He pulled out the voice that was not to be trifled with. "Sit."

Scowling, I sat on the fur pelts below me but crossed my arms bitterly. I never left eye contact with my dad though. "I'm not going to marry him! You can't make me!"

"Crystal," my father said in a firm tone. "In three years you will be of marrying age. Just like every other girl in this village before you, it is your responsibility to find a husband and continue our tribe. Your mother did. Your Gran-Gran did. So many other women before you found that the time came to move from childhood to womanhood. It's tradition."

"I'd rather be single if I can't marry for love!"

He didn't waver in his resolve. "Your mother and I were the few lucky ones in this tribe who actually found love right away. For others, love takes time to build, but that's why relationships are important. Don't you notice how Areto hovers around our campsite… He's trying to build things slowly with you first, in the hopes that you will find affection toward him before you two marry."

"He doesn't talk to me!" I couldn't believe what I was hearing. "Not to mention he's like five years older than me! By the time I'm sixteen he'll be a full grown man!"

"Good. He'll be able to take care of you!" My father was losing his patience. "It's not set in stone, Crystal. If for some magical reason you do fall in love with another young man in the tribe, we will discuss the matter with the tribal council. If not, you will become Areto's wife. Bato and I set this up when you were born, but made it official a year before your mother died. We have a signed agreement. If you find another suitor when the time comes, I will review if he's the proper match for you. Until then, you will show Areto respect and try to get to know him."

I'd lost it. "Know him?! How am I supposed to get to know someone who's off playing damn soldier with you all!"

My swearing astounded my father, and then his eyes turned hard. He stood and looked down at me. I tried to not shrink under his gaze, but I was intimidated. "You will watch that mouth of yours, young lady! Your Gran-Gran and mother didn't raise you to be uncivil."

I jumped up from my seat on the fur pelt in distraught. "Are you even listening to me?! Areto and I are two totally different people! He's nothing more than a tribal brother to me! I feel like a kid next to him! I won't do it! You can rip up the contract!"

He pressed his fingers to the bridge of his nose in frustration. "Crystal… You're not thinking about this the right way dear… As of all the young men in this tribe, Areto is the only one who is close to your age. Plus, he is someone who will benefit this family. He is a strong and brave warrior, full of passion and knowledge. He is the perfect suitor for you. Not to mention, Bato and his family are important to this tribe's stability. The Chief's daughter, and our elite warrior's son are two perfect matches."

I was starting to feel fire shoot through my blood. "I. Will. Not. Marry. Him! You can't make me!" I twirled on my heel to leave.

"Not even when it was his family who took care of you all those weeks after your injury." His words made me stop. "You owe Bato and his family your life… They restored you back to health, and Areto even gave you company during those hard times."

Tears started to slide down my cheeks. I didn't know what else to say. With defeat, I stepped forward and left my father. As I went, the snow around me turned to ice.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

Zuko's question made me hang my head more. "My mind's been busy on other things… The last thing on my mind was a guy I haven't seen in like three years…"

Zuko slowly sat back down, his face plastered with shock. "I can't believe this…" He dropped his head into his hands. "I finally find a girl I like and she's promised to another."

"Zuko…" I took his hand in my own, and I forced him to look at me. "I don't care about Areto. I've never felt anything for him like I do for you." He seemed upset, but I could tell my words were beginning to reassure him. "I haven't seen him in over two years. I forget about him all the time, especially when I'm with you."

He took in what I said, and then let out a heavy breath. "You really don't… You don't care about him?"

I shook my head. "I've never loved anyone the way I love you."

My words seemed to reassure him. He then smiled and said softly, "Good. I'm glad to hear…" Then after a moment of collecting his thoughts, I heard him say, "I guess now that you've told me that, I should tell you I'm already engaged to a General's daughter."

His words surprised me, but when I saw him have a hard time containing a straight face I knew he was playing around. "You're an idiot," I said, giving him a shove.

He grabbed my hand and leaned his head toward me. "I should punish you for that insult."

I smiled and broke the distance between us.

Zuko and I ended up sitting at the beach for a little while longer. We changed the subject, the both of us wanting to forget about Areto as much as we could. I told Zuko about the many adventures my brother, sister, and I went on. In return, he told me about how he and his mom used to go feed the turtle ducks together. Most of Zuko's happy memories seemed to be with his mom.

"I wish I could've met her," I said softly. "She sounds like she was a remarkable woman."

Zuko frowned. "Yeah… She was." He looked at me then with understanding. "I guess we're similar in that way though."

I nodded. "Yeah… I guess so." Looking up at the passing clouds, I sighed heavily. "I wonder what my mom thinks about all of this? She always told me to follow my heart…"

"Do you wish things were different…? Do you wish I'd never come to the South Pole?"

His sudden question surprised me. Looking out at the waves lapping onto the shore, I answered softly, "No… I'm glad you came." My confession caused him to look relieved. "Even though we had a bumpy start, I've never been happier… I've never felt so free… I feel like I don't have to hide anything when I'm with you. I feel like I can just be myself, and I don't have to make anyone proud." I slid my foot into the sand making a line. "I miss my family and friends, but I don't miss the feeling of being alone… Everyone in the village sees me as a memory of the past… My scar makes them look at me with pain, especially because we lost so many warriors the day the Fire Nation came. I'm tired of people seeing me only for my scar…"

Zuko grimaced. "I guess that's another similarity we have."

His words made me look at his face. Honestly, I hardly noticed his scar when I looked at him. All I saw was a handsome young man with a good heart.

"It's interesting how fate works, huh? The Fire Nation Prince and the Southern Water Tribe Chief's daughter falling in love… It kind of feels like one of those stories your parents tell you before bed."

He seemed pleased with my statement. "Sounds like a good story."

Later on we decided we'd been sitting for too long. The two of us decided to walk along the beach, and while we did I collected seashells. I'd seen them in the market before, but actually finding some in their natural setting was pretty exciting. Somehow I got Zuko in the spirit too. He started to pick up his own, and I could see something I hadn't quite seen from him. I saw a quiet and content young man enjoying the moment of just being a teenager.

At the moment, he wasn't a prince, or a banished one at that. He was just Zuko.

He was Zuko.

After lunch passed later that day, which we ended up eating on our own back at the spa resort, we retired to our hut where Iroh was idling around. When he saw the shells I was carrying in my hands, he seemed thrilled and rushed over.

"Ah! Beautiful, Crystal! We'll definitely keep some of these!"

Zuko sighed heavily. "Uncle… We're not keeping these. We can't afford the extra weight."

Iroh ignored his nephew, taking the shells from me and placing them in a line on the wooden table. Zuko shook his head in disbelief and then took a seat against the wall. I could tell he was in a better mood than earlier this morning though.

Iroh and I spent a good twenty minutes trying to decide which shells we liked best. After I picked three of my favorites, and Iroh picked six he liked, we pushed the unwanted ones aside.

"Look at these magnificent shells! I'll enjoy these keepsakes for years to come."

Zuko tried to talk sense to his uncle. He spoke with his eyes shut, trying to sink into his own conscious probably. "We don't need anymore useless things. You forget we have to carry everything ourselves now."

I smiled over at him. "We'll just make you carry it."

He had his eyes shut, but I saw him open one eye and look over at me. He shut it again and relaxed against the wall. Then he gave a small smile. "And I'll just drop them on the ground."

I pouted. Iroh chuckled, glad to see his nephew's spirits were lifted.

"My, my… What a cheerful bunch," a female voice spoke from the doorway of our hut. All three of us jumped at the intruder, and I looked up at our guest with surprise. "Hello, brother. Uncle."

Zuko's sister stood before us in her elegant Fire Nation attire. I knew it was her, because Zuko had told me about her in the past… He said she was evil, and always found ways to get him in trouble when they were growing up. He told me she even smiled the day he was banished.

She was terrifying, and I could tell she had a dark heart.

Her hair was as black as Zuko's, but seemed to be longer than her shoulders. She kept it up in a topknot though, except for two bangs she let hang loose to frame her face. She looked like a feminine Fire Nation general, and her gold eyes were much darker than Zuko's. Her gaze shot around the room sharply, landed on me for a second, and then darted towards her brother. She had two guards stationed behind her, as if she needed protection. She had a shell in her hand, one of the ones we'd placed on the other table to discard.

Zuko shot up from his place on the floor, his eyes wide with shock. Iroh stepped in front of me, as if to protect me from his crazy niece. Iroh had told me Azula was a bit out of her mind. He said she was a wicked child with no remorse. He must've feared she'd try and hurt me.

"What are you doing here?"

Zuko's question only made her smirk. "In my country, we exchange a pleasant 'hello' before asking questions. Have you become uncivilized so soon, Zuzu?"

The condescending tone and petty nickname for Zuko made me immediately feel a disliking towards her.

He wasn't too happy either. "Don't call me that!"

Iroh tried to get to the point. I immediately heard his sarcasm though. "To what do we owe this honor?"

Her eyes shot to Iroh, though she didn't look pleased by his intervention. "Hmm... must be a family trait. Both of you so quick to get to the point." She suddenly shattered the shell in her hand with her sharp nails. I jumped and cringed at her uncaring nature. "I've come with a message from home." She looked at Zuko with the fakest smile in the world. "Father's changed his mind. Family is suddenly very important to him. He's heard rumors of plans to overthrow him—treacherous plots. Family are the only ones you can really trust… Father regrets your banishment. He wants you home."

My eyes widened at what she said. So did Zuko's. He suddenly looked out of the window in confusion. It suddenly felt to me as if a wall of snow had dropped between us.

Azula seemed irritated he didn't respond right away. "Did you hear me? You should be happy. Excited. Grateful. I just gave you great news."

"I'm sure your brother just needs a moment to—"

She interrupted Iroh with such disrespect, I was too shocked for words. "Don't interrupt, Uncle!" She darted her eyes back to her befuddled brother. "I still haven't heard my thank you. I am not a messenger. I didn't have to come all this way."

Zuko finally spoke, and his voice was soft with amazement. "Father regrets? He... wants me back?"

Azula smirked. "Yes… And he's also heard about your water tribe prisoner. He'd love to meet her." Her eyes shot to me. "You did well brother, acquiring such a rare thing... I can see you need time to take this in. I'll come to call on you tomorrow. Make sure you're packed up, and don't forget the waterbender."

I narrowed my eyes at her. Zuko made no move to defend my honor, and I was actually hurt by that.

"Crystal will not be going to the Fire Nation," Iroh spoke firmly. "She saved Zuko's life, and therefore is no longer his prisoner."

Azula sneered at her uncle. "You don't have a say in that. Water Tribe peasants don't become free just by one good deed. I expect her on the ship tomorrow. If she isn't there, father will not be pleased." Azula shot her eyes toward me. "You'd do well to not try and run girl. Otherwise, when your caught your situation will not be pleasant."

Zuko finally spoke up. "If I go with you tomorrow, she will not be harmed."

Azula was surprised by his order. Her eyes stared into his own, and then she shot her gaze back to me. As if she understood, I saw her smirk. She quickly put back on a straight face though and shrugged. "Fine… I won't harm the wench. Just keep her on a leash until we get home."

I scowled. I couldn't help myself. "I'm not a wench!"

My voice made the room fall deadly silent. I knew I shouldn't have spoken in the presence of such a crazy chick, but I refused to be dishonored verbally. She stepped toward me to size me up. She was a year younger than me it looked like, and she was my height which irritated me. There was no way I was going to let her get all superior over me.

She sneered at me trying to sound intimidating. "How dare you speak to me that way! I am Princess Azula of the Fire Nation."

My hands balled into fists. "I know who you are… And I'm Chief Hakoda's daughter! I will not be insulted by being called a whore!"

She glared daggers. "You better get used to it, because that's what you'll be in the Fire Nation! All females of your kind end up that way!"

I tried not to let her get to me. "You're a bloody liar!"

She sneered. "Oh… Am I? The last female Water Tribe prisoner brought to the palace was handed over to an Admiral. I hear she didn't last four months. Turns out she found out she was pregnant and killed herself out of insanity."

My eyes widened. My blood drained. Iroh snapped at Azula for such disgraceful talk. Azula seemed pleased that her threats had finally gotten to me. I stepped back and felt my heart stop beating. I actually stopped breathing too.

"She won't be treated that way," Zuko suddenly said. "She's still my prisoner, Azula." He was trying to come to my aid, but he didn't help.

"For now… Once she's in the Fire Nation though, she's father's prisoner. You don't decide her fate." She dared her brother to argue with a burning gaze. "Don't worry though, Zuzu… I can convince father to let you have her. I can see you care about her a lot. She'd be great company for you."

I felt sick to my stomach…

Iroh glared daggers at his niece, snapping at her again to stop such talk.

She rolled her eyes. "Just telling her the truth. Anyway, I'll see you all tomorrow. Be at the docks at sunrise. I will be expecting all of you." She turned sharply on her heel then, and exited the building. The two soldiers followed behind her in silence. Quiet filled the room.

What did she mean… Did she mean that I would be forced to… Would Zuko force me to… No… He'd protect me… But what if the Fire Lord…

My body shook and I felt fear course through my veins. My vision began to blur. I could hear Zuko and Iroh saying something, but my heart pounded heavily in my ears blocking out their words.

What would they do to me at the Fire Nation? Would I really become some object for others pleasure?

For the first time since I escaped Zhao, I felt as if I was once again a prisoner with no escape. Zuko would protect me though, right? He wouldn't let them hurt me, would he?

"Crystal!" Iroh's loud voice broke through my conscious, and I looked up at him through blurry eyes. As I stared into his concerned gaze, I began to realize I was on the ground on my knees. I didn't even remember dropping. Iroh grabbed both of my shoulders to try and calm me. "I know your scared, but Zuko and I won't let anything happen to you. Azula was just trying to scare you. I will protect you once we get to the Fire Nation."

He tried to reassure me, but his words did not stick. Shutting my eyes, I fell into Iroh's fatherly hold with fear. He hugged my shaking frame as I tried to block out the world around me. The fear I felt inside me at that moment, was the same exact fear I'd come to know when I was younger. The same fear I'd felt when the man came to kill my mom…

Third Person POV

The room had fallen dark as the evening came and went. The broken shell was still in pieces on the ground. Zuko sat at the table with shells scattered across it, his eyes not daring to look over at the crumbled spirit. Iroh gently placed a light silk blanket over the silent figure who had paler skin than ever before. She was sick from the fear that had struck her from the threats of the Fire Nation Princess.

Once Iroh was sure she was warm, he stood from where he knelt beside her cot and walked back over to Zuko. "I don't know what's going on in your head, but I feel the need to talk some sense to you." He perched down in the other chair, and sat up tall. "You know what they'll do to her."

Zuko looked out of the dark window. He was conflicted, but also hopeful. "I'm not going to let anything happen to her."

Iroh shook his head. "You know that won't be your choice when it comes down to it… Crystal is a waterbender, Prince Zuko. You know what your father does to waterbenders… He'll have the poor thing broken in a week."

Zuko shut his eyes tight. "I'm not going to let that happen. I already have a plan."

"And do tell what that is?"

He glanced over at a shell on the table. His hand picked it up off the table, and he turned it with his fingers. "I'll tell my father I want her to be my servant. He'll grant me my request I'm sure."

"And then what," Iroh persisted. "You'll keep Crystal locked up in the palace for the rest of her days, forced to do mindless chores while you live off of luxury." The young prince grimaced. "You know she'll go mad being in such a situation… And you do realize you two won't be allowed to show affection towards one another… Your father would never approve of the feelings you have towards her."

His nephew shut his eyes, knowing what his uncle was saying. "When I become Fire Lord, I'll change that."

Iroh shook his head. "You have such high hopes for the future, but this clouds your rationality. You and Crystal are two worlds apart. She is the daughter of the Chief of the Southern Water Tribe, while you are the son of the Fire Lord. You two are supposed to be sworn enemies."

The young prince dropped his head in his hands. "Then what do you propose I do?"

Iroh glanced at his conflicted nephew, and then over at the sleeping form on the floor. "You must make a choice, Prince Zuko. What do you value more… your honor… or your heart?"

The room fell quiet then. The young prince didn't know what to say as he struggled within himself. He didn't know what the right path was.

Crystal POV

I waited for Iroh and Zuko to fall asleep for the night. When I was certain I heard their soft breaths as they sunk into sleep, I carefully pushed the blanket Iroh had placed on me to the side. Sitting up, I looked over at the two figures in the dark room. Both of them were lying on their mats asleep. As they rested up for the long journey they would begin tomorrow, I quietly crawled off my mat and stood gracefully.

As Zuko and Iroh had their conversation last night, I heard every word. The pain in Zuko's voice as he tried to choose between something he'd been fighting for his whole life, and something he'd just found a few months ago, was convincing to me. He needed to go home, and I was just in his way.

I knew that leaving would possibly anger Azula, and I also worried that she would blame Zuko and Iroh for my disappearance. However, I knew it was time to think for myself. There was no way I would be forced into the Fire Nation. I couldn't imagine what being prisoner in such a place would do to me. From the rumors of my tribe, I'd always understood that those who were imprisoned and taken to the Fire Nation were either killed or tortured. From what Azula spoke, I could only imagine what being a young female prisoner would be like…

There was no way I was going to spend the rest of my life in pain, or as some sick man's object. As much as it killed me to leave Zuko, I had to for my own well-being. I refused to give up my freedom just so I could be with him. I loved him, but I also loved my own free will.

Slowly I crept around the two men in the room. The moon was up, so I was able to see where I was going as I inched my way towards the doorway. Stopping at the entrance, I felt salty streams run down my cheeks as my heart pounded in pain. Looking back at Zuko, I saw his figure in the light of the moon as he was taken by his dreams.

"I love you…" I sincerely whispered, my voice carrying through the air. "I just can't go with you..."

Then I turned and left, my eyes blurred as I made my silent escape. Every bit of me wanted to turn back and give Zuko one last kiss, but I knew time was of the essence. He'd stop me if he knew I was leaving. It would only become harder if he knew about my intentions…

As I headed through the dark forest, with not a single possession on me, I began to distract my guilty conscious by figuring out my next course.

I knew it would take me months, but I had to journey south. Even though I betrayed my family, I knew the Southern Water Tribe wouldn't abandon me. My Gran-Gran was an understanding woman, and the rest of the tribe would be mad at first but soon forgive me. I had to go home… I needed to get back to the place I belonged.

At that thought, my footsteps slowed.

Place I belong…

Do I still belong there…?

Looking up at the moon, I began to wonder what the tribe thought when they saw me waterbend that day so long ago. They were probably all shocked, and all hurt that I hadn't told anyone about my ability. Would they shun me for my secrecy? Would they ever trust me again?

The wind flew past me, and the trees shook sending shivers through my spine. At that moment, I felt alone. My steps stopped, and I looked down at the ground in agony. My fists clenched at my side as I shut my eyes to press out the pain and fear.

I'd never done anything on my own before. I didn't even know where to begin.

"I would say I'm surprised, but then I'd be lying… Having second thoughts?"

The voice that spoke sent shivers down my spine. A gasp escaped me as I looked up toward the intruder. Fear coursed through me as I saw she was not alone.

"Wha- how…"

"Did you really think I was stupid enough to let that old man and my foolish brother decide your fate?" Azula stepped toward me, and in the dark forest she was only more terrifying. She looked like the monster of the forest. "I can see that they've become too soft hearted. I knew you'd escape them through the night." She grinned. "I am one clever Princess, aren't I?"

I stepped back, my heart pounding in my ear. I'm caught! She knew I would try to escape!

Her soldiers spread out then, beginning to form a circle around me. I knew I had to think fast. The circle hadn't formed completely when I took my chance. Darting to the right, I took off fast towards the woods. I knew the only way for me to escape was to run. However, just as I ran towards a crowd of brush, hot fire suddenly spread in my path creating a blazing barrier. My whole body jerked to a halt before I could plummet into the burning hot flames that ate at the forest ground. They stretched high and danced in the night air. Backing away from the destructive force, I suddenly felt hard hands grab me and jerk me back.

I went to scream, but before I could a hand fell over my mouth. As my screams were muffled, I was forced to kick back at the soldier who was restraining me. Other soldiers raced over and quickly assisted the man. One girl against three grown men was an inevitable loss. As I was captured by Azula and her men, I was forced back over to the Princess who seemed like she'd just scored a prize.

She cackled at my actions. "Wow! That was actually entertaining." Her eyes shot to the fire that was still blazing nearby. "Someone put that out! We don't want unwanted attention." Two soldiers scrambled to obey her orders, racing off to find some water. The soldiers still restraining me, tightened their grip as I tried to pull from them. My mouth pulsed at the pressure being placed on it.

"Take her to the ship. The last waterbender of the Southern Water Tribe will be a wonderful gift for my father. She'll be a bonus once Zuko and that foolish man are my prisoners." My eyes widened at her words.

What… Did she just say that Zuko and Iroh… Prisoners?

No! Azula wasn't here to take Iroh and Zuko back freely! She was here to capture them! Azula was here to trick Iroh and Zuko on her ship so she could imprison them! I had to warn them!

Opening my mouth, I bit down hard on the man's hand. He cried out and jerked away from me. As soon as he did I let out the loudest scream I could muster. As my scream echoed through the forest, I saw Azula's eyes widen with horror.

"Shut her up!"

While the soldier had been in pain, his grip on my arm had loosened. As soon as I had the chance, I ripped my hold from him and took off towards the direction where no fire blocked my path. I took off back towards Zuko and Iroh. My heart pounded a million miles a minute. Adrenaline shot through me. I had to get to them! I had to tell them they were in danger!

"Stop her!"

Fire shot at me, but I managed to avoid the attacks. As I ran, I saw to my relief some water glisten in the moonlight from a small creek. Picking up some of the water as I ran, I turned quickly and threw it at the men running towards me. Dropping it on the ground, I froze it into a solid sheet of ice. The boots of the men hit the surface, and five of them fell back or slipped with yelps. As they were distracted, I took off again towards the hut.

It seemed I ran forever. When the hut finally came into view, I knew I had to be quick. "Zuko! Iroh! Wake up! Run!"

As I shouted, I didn't see the slender figure suddenly dash towards me. Azula suddenly smashed into me hard, and her body colliding with my own sent us both crashing to the ground. Her body landed on top of mine, her hands pressing into my back as she pressed her weight on me. Her armor was the only reason she weighed more. Her nails dug into my back, drawing blood from the pressure.

"You'll pay for that you freak!"

I shrieked in both pain and anger. Then I tried to struggle out from under her. "Get off of me you psycho!"

Her knee pressed into my spine. "You're not escaping me! You all will be my prisoner! I'll have Zuko and uncle in a cell, and make them watch me tear you to shreds! You'll regret the day you tried to run from me."

I tried to smash my elbow back at her. I knocked her shoulder, and she growled shoving me harder. With fury, I shouted, "You're crazy! You need help!"

She growled. "Don't talk to me that way! I'm a Princess! You will respect me!"

I scowled. "How can I respect someone who's betraying her brother and uncle, and is treating me like an animal?!"

She suddenly dug her nails down deeper into me. She tore through my dress and dug into my skin. A harsh burning shot through me, and I screamed in pain. "You will not back talk me! Learn your place peasant!"

"Stop! Get off of me!"

"I love hearing you scream," she cried out with joy. "Soon Zuko will be forced to hear you scream too! I'm going to have so much fun torturing you in front of him!"

This was absolutely awful. Not only was I about to be forced back in a prison cell on a ship, but I was also about to be this maniac's prisoner. Obviously the Fire Lord had caused his daughter to develop some serious mental problems over the years. I'd never met someone so power hungry and cruel.

"Get off of her!"

A voice I thought I'd never hear again suddenly shouted from nearby. Azula let out a sudden shriek, and then abruptly her body was off of me. As soon as her weight was removed, I scrambled to find my feet. My body was pulsing in pain, and my head hurt from the collision I'd just had with Zuko's psychotic sister. Everything was happening so fast.

"Zuko! Forget about her! Grab Crystal so we can run!"

My eyes shot towards Zuko, who was holding down his sister on the cold dirt. He had both of her hands above her head, and his face was inches from hers. He ignored his uncle as he spat at his sister, "You lied to me! You're here to make me your prisoner!"

She growled. She tried to kick him off, but he held her down with his knee. She spat, "Of course I lied! Why would father ever let you come back! You failed him! You've failed him too many times! You're nothing but a disgrace to the Fire Nation!"

Zuko looked ready to hurt his sister. Iroh was in the middle of firing at the soldiers who were trying to come to their princess's aid. Everything was in chaos. My head felt heavy as I tried to grasp the events around me.

"Zuko! Get out of here! Now!"

At Iroh's final order, Zuko jerked away from Azula and got up quickly to his feet. He darted toward me then, and grabbed my hand. As he did so, Azula let out a shriek and shot a bright blue light towards us. I gasped and shoved the both of us out of the way. The light I realized was lightning flew past us and crashed into a tree, setting it on fire. Fire shot all around us then, and I didn't have a clue what was happening. It felt like another world. It felt like a dream.

My body was suddenly lifted up from the ground, and the next thing I knew Zuko was running me away from the fire and shouts. He carried me as if I weighed nothing. My body shook against him, and I felt blood seep down my back from the cuts Azula had inflicted on me. Her nails were like daggers.

"NO! STOP THEM!"

His sister's loud call echoed through the forest. Zuko didn't slow. He ran harder, his breath quick as he tried to distance us from his psychotic sibling. He had his arm under the bend of my knees, and the other around my back. I hugged his neck and pressed my face into his chest too shocked to move.

"This way, Prince Zuko," his Uncle encouraged from out of nowhere. Everything was happening so fast. I couldn't get a grasp on my surroundings. My heart was pounding harshly in my ears. The next thing I knew, Zuko ran inside a cold cave. Iroh had followed behind. As we were in the dark, Zuko set me down and sat beside me. Iroh sat on my other side, and said, "Everyone quiet."

The three of us fell into a deadly silence. We heard shouts only a moment later from the soldiers who were looking for us. In fear and pain, I turned to Zuko and pressed my face into his side. He wrapped an arm around me in a manner of protection. The voices came, and then they went. As they faded, and then eventually came to nothing, the three of us sighed in relief.

We knew it was best not make a sound or leave the cave though. We knew the soldiers could come back. Instead we continued to sit in silence. We sat in silence for hours. Iroh drifted to sleep, and Zuko kept his eyes alert on the cave entrance. None of us had spoken a word since we'd entered the cave. My body still shook from the pain and fear coursing through me. The cuts on my back were beginning to scab over and itch.

When the sun began to rise a few hours later, Iroh woke up and told us we needed to head out. He had a feeling the soldiers would be searching again in the day time. We did as he said, following him out of the cave. "We'll head south. The farther we get from the ocean the better."

Zuko nodded, although his mind had kept him silent. I limped beside him and Iroh, my body tired and sore. Iroh had encouraged me as much as he could when we first left the cave. He knew I was in pain, but told me we needed to keep moving. Then he explained to me that he and Zuko had heard everything between Azula and I. They'd come as soon as they heard my scream.

"I knew my brother wasn't the type to do such a thing," Iroh muttered. We walked along a creek, and the sun was finally settling in the sky. "He'd never forgive so easily."

Zuko grimaced. "I can't believe this… I thought I was going home… I thought father really had changed his mind…"

Iroh placed a comforting hand on his nephew's heavy shoulder. "I'm sorry, Prince Zuko… I wish things were different."

He hung his head. "I guess he really will only accept me if I capture the Avatar…" Zuko stopped walking, and then he turned towards the creek. Suddenly he knelt down beside it, and I watched with amazement as he took a knife from his boot and grabbed his top-knot. With one single motion, he cut his hair to the bottom of the top-knot. His ponytail came right off, and then he looked down at his hair with agony. He dropped it into the water. Iroh knelt beside him and did the same thing.

As the two let their hair drift away from them, I understood. They were severing their ties with their family. They were outsiders now. They were both traitors to their people, and wanted by the Fire Nation.

Silence fell between the three of us again as the two continued to kneel by the creek. Zuko's hair was so short at that moment, but it made no difference. Iroh placed a comforting hand on his nephew's shoulder again, letting him know he wasn't alone.

Finally, Zuko let out a heavy sigh and stood back up. Then he slowly turned to me. I was immediately surprised when I saw the frustration on his face. "What were you doing outside in the first place?"

His accusing gaze, and the sudden conversation, made me cringe and look at the ground with guilt. I was tired, but I knew he deserved an explanation. "I didn't want to wake you… I had to go while I had the chance…"

My eyes stayed on the ground. I didn't dare meet his burning gaze.

Zuko had guessed my intentions before he began the conversation, so I knew he didn't really need answers. He wanted to hear what I had to say though. "You were going to leave me? Without even saying good-bye?"

"You would've stopped me," I answered softly. "I refused to be forced onto Azula's ship."

Zuko stepped toward me, and I felt him grab both of my shoulders with hurt and frustration. "So you were just going to leave me? Just like that?"

I looked up at him, my eyes blurring again with tears. "I didn't want you to have to choose… And I refused to be forced into the Fire Nation. I'm not some prize or rare specimen. I can't be caged!"

"I wouldn't have forced you! I would've let you go!"

His words weren't promising. "I'm sorry… But I didn't know what to do…"

Iroh spoke up, standing beside us suddenly. "She did what was best for her, Zuko… You know the Fire Nation is no place for a waterbender. She would've been tortured like every other waterbender brought to the palace." He tried to lighten the tense air. "And besides… We should be thanking Crystal. Her warning saved our lives. We would've been locked up for the rest of eternity."

He released my shoulders, his uncle's words easing his hurt ever so slightly. "Where were you planning on going though?"

I rubbed the back of my neck, but immediately regretted it when my body protested. "South… I decided you were going home, so I would go home too."

He was trying not to be mad at me anymore. His anger faded into curiosity. "And you were going to just travel there all by yourself…?"

Nodding, I hung my head wishing I knew what to say. I could sense Zuko was still hurt that I'd tried to leave without saying goodbye, but I hadn't had a choice. If I told Zuko I was going, he probably wouldn't have let me. As much as I wanted to believe Zuko did see me as a girl he deeply cared about, I was still technically his prisoner in the long run.

"Why don't we walk a bit longer," Iroh encouraged. "We shouldn't tarry here too long if Azula decides to start the search again."

He began to head away from us. Zuko and I stood a few inches apart. As Iroh walked along the side of the creek, I looked back at Zuko who was staring at the ground still hurt. "Please understand… I had to, Zuko… I don't belong in the Fire Nation… I don't want to be some servant to your father… Or some tool of pleasure…" He took in what I said. "I didn't want to leave you, but I could see how happy you were about going home… I didn't want anything holding you back."

He met my gaze finally, and I could see the hurt had faded. He looked puzzled by my last statement. "You don't hold me back…"

Shaking my head, I responded, "Be honest, Zuko… If you had to choose between me or your honor, which one would you have chosen in the end?"

He grimaced at my question, and I saw confliction.

"You've been fighting for your honor since your banishment, Zuko… I was just an obstacle in the way of what you really desire… I decided to make the decision for you…" Turning, I hung my head as I went to follow Iroh's path.

Zuko grabbed my arm to stop me. He tried to sound firm, but his voice wavered. "You don't know what I desire?"

Turning my gaze back to him, I asked softly, "Then what do you desire, Prince Zuko?"

His grip on me tightened, and I saw uncertainty in his face. He then slowly released my arm and turned towards the stream, staring at the direction in which his hair had floated away.

"I… I don't know…"

The pain in his voice was enough to make my heart ache. Reaching out, I placed my hand on his shoulder in a comforting way. Opening my mouth, I went to speak again, but was cut off.

"Come on you two! We have to make haste! There's no telling how persistent Azula will be at capturing us!"

Zuko and I both did as Iroh requested, and began to walk in the path he had taken to catch up to him. As we walked, I hung my head wishing I knew what to say to Zuko. Usually I had words of wisdom to give him when he was conflicted, but at the moment I was too tired and in pain to think.

"We'll rest soon," Zuko suddenly promised. He was changing the subject, probably to try and get his mind off of his uncertainty. "Uncle's right… We need to get away from Azula…"

Nodding, I crossed my arms and looked at the trees above with tears once again filling in my eyes. The last twelve hours had been exhausting and endless. The cold wind hit me like bitter knives. Hugging myself more, I began to miss the warmth of my brother. I missed the love of my sister. I missed my home, and the tribe. We were wandering through the Earth Kingdom, a land I barely knew.

Just like Zuko, I wanted to go home. I didn't like being in a strange land. As much as I had first enjoyed seeing new things, I missed familiarity.

We walked for a few minutes, all three of us keeping silent. Birds sang around us, but they weren't a remedy to my melancholy.

Zuko suddenly let out a hard sigh. "Crystal… I'm sorry for getting frustrated earlier… Everything just happened so fast… I- I was just upset… Please don't cry…"

His plea surprised me. My hand reached up to my cheek where I felt the warm liquid from my tears. Quickly I tried to wipe the tears from my eyes, but they just kept coming. I hadn't even realized I was crying. The exhaustion was starting to get to me I guess.

"I-I'm not crying over that… I- I don't know why," I muttered, wiping my eyes some more. "They just won't stop…"

A warm arm draped over my shoulders, and I was pulled into Zuko's side as we walked. Pressing my face into his shirt, I let the fabric absorb my tears. He didn't have to say anything as we walked through the forest. His touch was enough for me to understand. He would protect me. He wouldn't let anything hurt me.

That little bit of comfort eased my pain ever so slightly…